JB...accoding to instuctions on the bottle of Amquel I just read
yesterday AMQUEL + IIRC it staated in plain words....that ringers and
some other type test kits can not be used and expected to get correct
results when amquel is used. sop perhaps that is why you are getting
these high readings in additon to a new tank basically cycling.
Virtually all test kits fall into the two types mentioned.......and
you wil continue top pick up nitrate etc even though its locked up and
inert.....enough water changes down the line and it will drop to zero
as the amquel is diluted. Part and parcel of using amquel or any of
the locking type chemicals.


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I forgot more about ponds and koi than I'll ever know!